Review: Sidekick 3
Clock
Now that the Sidekick's screen shuts off when the device is idling, it requires a button press to check the time. But a quick press of any navigation button when the screen is off will bring up the screen saver, which includes the time, date and icons indicating any new messages. The screen saver does not activate the backlight, even if it's dark, so checking the time at night requires unlocking or opening the phone.
Java
The Sidekick runs Java applications, but they must be approved by Danger and T-Mobile, and can only be loaded onto the device from the catalog application. We were unable to install JBenchmark's applications to test the Sidekick's capabilities.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth support is rather limited on the Sidekick, but what is supported is done very well. Bluetooth was put on the device primarily to support headsets, which is a relief considering that despite changes to the 3, the Sidekick is still bulkier than a traditional handset. Pairing the Sidekick with a headset could not be easier, as it automatically tries all the default passcodes instead of asking you to enter one. This makes pairing with a headset a one step process in most cases. Once paired, the Sidekick takes advantage of the hands-free profile, displaying feedback about the headset on the phone.
The Sidekick 3 also supports the exchange of contact information (VCard) over Bluetooth but will not allow the sending or receiving of any other type of file.
Extras
The last new feature of the Sidekick 3 is the music player. Adding music is very easy: you simply put MP3s or folders of MP3s in a folder titled "music" on the memory card. (A 64 MB Mini SD card is included.) The audio player will search through that folder at launch and sort all the files by artist, album, genre and song name.
Finding music is easy, but playing it requires a number of extra clicks. Once you've scrolled to the music you want to play, and select it, those tracks then get added to the current playlist, which you have to then start playing. Additionally the controls and buttons are confusing as well. Oddly the cancel (X) button is the play / pause key.
There are some positive aspects to the player as well. The sound quality is surprisingly good, and the music player volume can be adjusted separately. Also, since the Sidekick is multi-tasking, you can keep playing music while using any other application on the phone.
The Sidekick still lacks an alarm clock or calculator. It does come with an calender, notepad and todo list - all which sync to the web desktop, as well as a calculator.
Sidekick 3 On Sale Next Week
New FCC Documents Unveil Sidekick 3 Features
Sidekick 3 Revealed By FCC
Sharp Hiptop 3 / Sidekick 3
